A YOUNG girl's wish to see Manchester's highest landmark restored has finally come true.

Four years ago, Olivia Acton, then just seven, wrote to the managers of Heaton Park asking why the 18th century chapel she loved had been allowed to become so badly damaged by years of decay and abuse at the hands of vandals and arsonists.

Now the temple has been restored after a é100,000 makeover funded by the city council and Lottery cash.

And when the work was complete, the city council could think of no-one better then Olivia to cast her eye over the improvements.

Olivia was delighted with the results of the 18 months' work that has been carried out on her favourite building.

The 11-year-old from Middleton joined council leader Richard Leese to mark the temple's re-opening.

The temple, a Grade II*-listed building designed by James Wyatt, is believed to have been used as an observatory by Sir Thomas Egerton.

It is now expected to be be used as a summer studio for local artists.

It was restored as part of a series of improvements to Heaton Park costing ??4.5million.

A second phase of improvements costing ??6million will see many of the buildings and additional parts of the landscape around Heaton Hall improved.

Coun Leese said: "For many people, the temple is a landmark which signifies their arrival at Heaton Park.

"This is just one element of our vision to restore and improve the park so that it takes it rightful place alongside other major leisure attractions in the city and beyond.''